One Credit PE Courses Come in Handy for Students
Everyone wants to stay in shape but many students feel like there is not enough time with classes, homework, and other activities. So why not take a class in physical education?
With so many different majors, students may be unaware of the incredible physical education classes offered here at the University. These classes are required of health and physical education majors but usually never cross the paths of many other students. However, the classes can be a perfect way to fill free electives while staying in shape.
PE classes are one-credit, half-semester classes offered in all different types of activities. You can gain credits by playing your favorite sport or learning how to dance. Tennis, softball, basketball, golf, and swimming are offered for all experience levels.
Sports allow you to get a great workout in, work as a team, become a leader, and learn new skills. The great thing about physical activity is there is always room for improvement.
Try a new sport you’ve never played before. Every sport requires different skills and uses different muscles. Even if you go to the gym religiously, sports still improve your fitness by requiring diverse talents.
If sports aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other options. Learn how to ballroom dance, as this class teaches everything from the waltz to the foxtrot.
Professor Lynn Schaeber instructs the Ballroom Dance I and II classes at the University. “Dance is a great skill to have in many aspects in life. I always tell my students, if you know how to dance, you’ll always have a date,” she said.
Senior communication major Jon Guida said, “I play baseball for the University, so I thought I’d try something different for class. Plus, my girlfriend registered for ballroom so I figured we could take it together. Surprisingly, I’ve been having a lot of fun so far.”
You can also play badminton or get your morning swim in during the winter months. If you prefer the gym, take weight training to learn new exercises with weights and proper form.
Another great benefit of sports and physical activities is stress relief. Courses like yoga, pilates, and T’ai Chi are offered. There is even a course called Stress Reduce Relax which teaches breathing exercises and relaxation methods to help reduce stress, which can be very beneficial during the schoolyear. T’ai Chi is a Chinese workout that uses balance and coordination while reducing stress, toning muscles, improving posture, and flexibility.
Physical education classes can also improve your performance in academic courses.
Dr. Hrycenko of the health and physical education department said, “The Department of Psychology and Brain Health Research Centre at the University of Otago, Dunedin New Zealand found that people who regularly exercise have optimized ‘Executive Function.’ Executive function is a set of mental processes that helps connect past experience with present action. People use it to perform activities such as planning, organizing, strategizing, paying attention to and remembering details, and managing time and space. So, taking a physical education class would be great for all aspects of student life both in class and out.”
With the many benefits of PE classes, students rarely regret registering. Brian Nicholas, senior health studies major, said “One credit courses in physical education give you a chance to get out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and try new things that you may never have tried because you didn’t have an opportunity.”
Nicholas has taken ballroom dance, volleyball, badminton, yoga, T’ai Chi, and Pilates.
Right now is a perfect time to take advantage of these classes to learn new things without taking up too much of your time. Plus, they’re a great way to fulfill credit requirements if you’re looking for a few extra credits to graduate.
If you aren’t registered for a physical education class for this semester, enjoy a free workout offered in the MAC. Similar to the PE classes, sessions are offered every day in yoga, military style circuit training, boot camp, Zumba and more.
These classes are instructed by University students, so you won’t feel out of place. Sessions are 30 minutes to 60 minutes long and are offered in both the morning and evening. It’s a perfect way to squeeze a challenging, yet time efficient workout in between or after classes.
If you’re looking to fulfill extra credits, or just want to try a new way of working out, you should see what the PE classes have to offer. With so many options, you’re bound to find an activity that suits you. Working out while completing courses is a win-win, so take advantage while you can.
